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Barleybean: Enjoy Convenient Coffee, Ales, and More

May 23, 2016 by

A combination coffee shop and specialty grocery, Barleybean has everything you could want in a neighborhood cafe. The thing that sets Barleybean apart is the wide variety of food and drinks you can get here. Start off your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a delicious signature smoothie, or even a glass of kombucha—Barleybean offers several different varieties both "on tap" and bottled.

For lunch, there are paninis, wraps, and salads available here like the Three Cheese Panini, the Yummy Hummus Panini, or the Melty Tuna Wrap. Another great perk is that Barleybean offers craft beer on tap—have a drink on the outdoor patio or take some home with you in a growler. There’s also a mini-market with natural and organic goods and snacks, perfect for a quick stop while heading home. Barleybean has a great location for you too—it’s only a short trip from Elan East.

Barleybean
2222 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 382-9106
www.barleybean.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/barleybean-austin

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Indulge in a Honey-Nut Latte at Thunderbird Coffee

May 9, 2016 by

There aren't many places where you can take your pick between beer and java, but Thunderbird Coffee in Austin is one of them. It actually has two outposts in the city, one on Manor Road near Elan East, and another on Koenig Lane. Both offer beer and coffee, but the Manor Road location boasts a much larger selection of brews. Try a Pecan Porter or the Double IPA from Austin's own (512) Brewing Company, or enjoy a Hefeweizen or Liberation Ale by another local brewery, Live Oak.

If you're coming to Thunderbird for the coffee, regulars highly recommend the honey-nut latte. But you can also order a classic espresso, Americano, or cappucino. Or perhaps you might want to indulge in a Thai iced coffee or Iced Toddy instead. Pair your coffee with a freshly baked treat from Quack's Bakery or Rockstar Bagels, a turkey-cranberry or tomato-basil sandwich, or a fully loaded salad.

Thunderbird Coffee
2200 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 472-9900
thunderbirdcoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thunderbird-coffee-austin-2

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Expect Laughter and Energy at Salvage Vanguard Theater

May 2, 2016 by

Salvage Vanguard Theater isn't your typical stage. This Austin-oriented nonprofit gives up-and-coming artists a place where they can get creative with performances. Instead of adhering to the status quo, they pioneer productions filled with energy, movement, and often, laughter.

For proof, check out any of the upcoming events at Salvage Vanguard. Thursdays through May 6, the theater will host a Comedy Bazaar! The recently unveiled show is a collection of sketches, all woven together by a common theme: A Brief History of Magic. You can even come to Salvage Vanguard Theater for a $10 yoga class on Saturday mornings. With so much to check out here, you should definitely swing by soon.

Salvage Vanguard Theater
2803 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 474-7886
salvagevanguard.org
www.yelp.com/biz/salvage-vanguard-theater-austin

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Beware Coffee Serves Artisanal Coffee from a Unique Coffee Stand

April 11, 2016 by

Beware Coffee is an artisanal coffee trailer that is known for creating some of the best java in Austin. The coffee may be sold out of a coffee stand, but directly adjacent to the vendor, guests will find a number of convenient tables and chairs that allow guests to fully enjoy their coffee in a comfortable open space. Beware Coffee offers classic coffeehouse options like regular lattes, coconut lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, cold brew, and more. The coffee shop even serves up ice cream topped with espresso. For non-coffee drinkers, the menu includes teas, hot cocoa, and more.

Beware Coffee is open Wednesday through Sunday from early in the morning until 4 p.m. Note that the coffee vendor is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Why not enjoy your morning cup of coffee at Beware Coffee?

Beware Coffee
2908 Fruth Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 571-3392
https://www.facebook.com/BewareCoffee/

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Hancock Golf Course: One of Texas’s Oldest Courses

April 4, 2016 by

Hancock Golf Course was named for one of Austin's earliest mayors, Lewis Hancock, Jr. He presided over the city from 1895 to 1897, and he founded the golf course soon after his tenure in 1899. That makes it one of the oldest golf courses anywhere in Texas.

Make the short trip here for a round of golf right in the middle of the city. It's only 9 holes, so you should be able to move relatively quickly through the par-35 course. Its rolling hills are dotted with trees, and the course sweeps right across picturesque Waller Creek. Call ahead for a tee time if you have a group of four or more, or stop by without a reservation to enjoy the scenery at Hancock Golf Course. It's the perfect way to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunny Texas weather.

Hancock Golf Course
811 E. 41st Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 453-0276
austintexas.gov/department/hancock-golf-course
www.yelp.com/biz/hancock-public-golf-course-austin

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Springdale Farm Market: Fresh, Local Food Near Elan East

March 10, 2016 by

Fresh bunches of emerald kale. Crisp turnips. Cream-colored heads of just-plucked cauliflower. These are just a handful of the fresh veggies you can expect to see at Springdale Farm Market, a farm stand that pops up every Wednesday and Saturday morning about 2.5 miles from Elan East.

Owners Glenn and Paula first opened the farm stand in 1992 in an effort to bring fresh, local produce to people living in the city. They believed everyone deserved access to healthy food, whether they could make it beyond the city limits or not. Today they continue to keep East Austin in colorful veggies, and not just individual shoppers. They also supply local eateries. Plus, Springdale Farm Market plays host to a handful of artisan prepared foods including Confituras jams and jellies, honey from the Austin Honey Company, and White Label Hot Sauce.

Springdale Farm Market
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays
755 Springdale Road
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 386-8899
www.springdalefarmaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/springdale-farm-austin

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Elan East, SXSW Returns to Austin Mar. 11 to Mar. 20

March 2, 2016 by

Elan East is lucky enough to be in the middle of the action for South by Southwest (or SXSW), an annual festival that celebrates up-and-coming technology, music, and films. The festival returns from Mar. 11 to Mar. 20 to various locations throughout Austin. Festival highlights include a speech from Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, a presentation by J. J. Abrams, live music by BØRNS, a screening of Miles Ahead (the new Miles Davis biopic starring Don Cheadle), and more. Additional events include meet-ups, discussions with like-minded creatives, parties, and more.

In addition to events and shows, some of Austin’s favorite food trucks and mobile food vendors from across the country will set up shop at the Southbites Trailer Park. Vendors will be peddling everything from lobster rolls and barbecue to ice cream and fresh juice. Admission to SXSW ranges in price depending on which ticket package you select. Tickets start at $495.

South by Southwest
Mar. 11 to Mar. 20
Austin, TX
www.sxsw.com/

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Esther’s Follies: A Variety Show That’s an Austin Staple

February 24, 2016 by

A show with comedy, music, and magic that’s been a vital and vibrant part of Austin nightlife for over 35 years, Esther’s Follies is a must-see for its fun, irreverent take on current events. A bit like a live version of SNL, the cast of Esther’s Follies perform ever-changing routines based on the headlines of the day. The cast blends political humor with local jokes into skits and musical numbers. There’s even a magician seamlessly incorporated into the fun.

To give fair warning: audience participation is huge here—they will not only pull audience members into the scenes, but they'll even pull people off the street! The venue is intimate but still has plenty of seating, which is great for a show like this. The space is Esther Williams-themed and filled with kooky items, like a mermaid fountain and a fish tank made from a television. Esther’s Follies is about 10 minutes from Elan East.

Esther's Follies
525 East 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
www.esthersfollies.com
www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

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Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend at Blue Starlite

February 9, 2016 by

If you're looking for something different to do this Valentine's Day, consider taking in a classic flick with your significant other at Blue Starlite drive-in, only about 10 minutes from Elan East. Starting Friday, Feb. 12, the drive-in theater will screen cult hits and romantic favorites all weekend long.

On Friday, kick off your weekend with a triple feature. It starts with the classic Casablanca at 6:45 p.m., a tale of love in war-torn Morocco. At 9:45, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams take the screen for that famous kiss in the rain, a pivotal scene in The Notebook. And if you're willing to stick around even later, Harold and Maude begins around midnight. You can come by on Saturday instead to watch The Princess Bride (at 6:45 p.m. and midnight) and Breakfast at Tiffany's (at 9:45). Or wait until V-Day actually rolls around to watch The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and Moulin Rouge.

Valentine's Weekend at Blue Starlite
​Feb. 12 to 14
1901 E. 51st Street
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 850-6127
www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/valentines-events/
www.bluestarlitedrivein.com

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Spun Ice Cream: A Hipper Way to Do Dessert

February 2, 2016 by

Utilizing science to create a delicious treat, Spun Ice Cream’s take on dessert is a fun, inventive, and one-of-a-kind experience for the young and young at heart. A new spot about two miles away from Elan East, Spun Ice Cream takes locally-sourced cream, milk, and other ingredients, and "spins" them into ice cream using liquid nitrogen to freeze it extremely quickly. The liquid nitrogen produces smaller ice crystals than traditionally frozen ice cream, which makes the flavor even better.

Each scoop is made to-order, and there is a rotating selection of gourmet toppings like peanut brittle, caramel popcorn sprinkles, and pickled jalapeno glass. There are dairy-free and gluten-free options for everything, too. Spun has an enjoyable, vintage soda shop feel, with a small seating area if you care to dine in. There’s even a typewriter you can use to write a review! A must-visit for a sweet treat.

Spun Ice Cream
1912 E. 7th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 524-1768
spunicecream.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/spun-ice-cream-austin

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